NATIONAL PARK OFAmerican Samoa

NATIONAL PARK OFAmerican Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa boasts extraordinary natural resources, and almost all of the park is available to hikers, birders, snorkelers and divers. On three different islands, visitors can experience cloudforests, rainforests, steep volcanic cliffs rising from white sand beaches, and pristine coral reefs sheltering over 900 species of fish and several species of faisua (giant clams). Malie (reef sharks) forage on the reef. Tafolā (humpback whales) can be seen seasonally, while mumua (spinner dolphins) inhabit the nearshore waters year-round. Look for the peʻa (Samoan flying fox), a fruit bat, foraging in the early evenings.

This park is rich in Samoan culture past and present. People have been in this region for some 3,000 years, and Samoans still live much as they always have, even within the boundaries of the national park. The designation of this 50th national park was possible by working closely with local Samoan chiefs and villagers. Park lands are leased from the villages. The past is present throughout much of the park’s three units. Star mounds and agricultural terraces are just a couple of the features of the past.

Since the park is in a remote part of the South Pacific and has limited access opportunities, unless you live in American Samoa more than casual planning is required to visit the park. The nearest airport is Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila Island. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines is the only major carrier to American Samoa. They provide two flights a week round-trip from Honolulu. The International Airport at Upolu in nearby (Western) Samoa is served by several flights weekly from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Connecting flights serve Tutuila from Upolu by small aircraft nearly daily.

Small planes serve park areas on Taʻu Island and the nearby nation of Samoa. Transportation to the other park area on Ofu Island is by local boat from Taʻu. Currently Inter Island Airways is the only carrier to the Manuʻa Islands. Flexibility is important when venturing to these remote islands. For more information call 684-699-5700 or visit Inter Island’s website.

The National Park of American Samoa is open 24-hours per day, year round. However, some areas of the park maybe temporarily closed due to trail maintenance and/or safety measures. No fees or reservations are required to visit the national park.

The visitor center, park store, and headquarters are open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on weekends and federal holidays. Located in Pago Pago, across from the Pago Way Service Station.

**Hours of operation may change due to emergency situations, without notice.

Samoa is below the equator in the tropical zone, and is hot, humid, and rainy. Temperatures range between the 70°s F and 90°s F, and showers can happen anytime. Between 100 and 200 inches of rain fall here a year. Winter–November through May–is the rainy season.

PARK LOCATION

Explore the Park

Hiking and Trails

Hike in the deep green of a tropical rainforest or take peaceful beach walks on white sands at the base of soaring cliffs. Enjoy stunning coast views and steep panoramic vistas. Whether you need solitude, enjoy birding and wildlife sightings, or are interested in Samoan history and culture, there are 13 hikes on three islands, ranging from easy to challenging. Some hikes may also lead you through busy villages.

Immerse Yourself in Culture

In addition to park programs, local villages still thrive inside the park. One simple rule for culturally appropriate behavior is to always ask villagers for permission before taking photographs, using the beach, or engaging in other activities, however unobtrusive your actions may seem. Also, with the Homestay Program, residents of villages associated with the national park offer accommodations and the opportunity to learn local customs.

Park Wildlife

The most prominent land mammal at this park is arguably the most important animal in the rainforest: the fruit bat, also called the flying fox. These beautiful animals eat fruit and nectar, spreading seeds and pollinating the rainforest trees. Also look for aptly-named enormous coconut crabs in the trees, endemic forest birds, and seabirds. The stunning, extensive reef has over 900 species of fish, and is also famous for its giant clams.

Park Wildlife

Hover to Discover

U‘u (Coconut crab) is Samoa’s best known land crab; it is large and edible. It weighs four to seven pounds and has a leg span of about 30 inches.

A blue linckia sea star adds color to our reefs. Each arm has rows of tube feet that are used in crawling, attaching to things, and feeding. All starfish can grow back arms that they have lost.

Fuao (red-footed booby), is the smallest of all boobies at about 70 centimeters (28 in) in length and with a wingspan of up to 1 meter (3.3 ft).

Peʻa (fruit bats), are common in the tropical rainforests of the National Park of American Samoa and throughout American Samoa. They are very large with up to 1 meter (3.3 ft) wing spans.

Every reef dweller, like this butterfly fish, adds to the health and strength of this American Samoa ecosystem.

Mumua (spinner dolphins), which sleep during the day, inhabit the nearshore waters year-round.